Firm gives USF 3 options

Consultants submit candidates for the deputy athletic director job.

TAMPA -- The consulting firm hired to help South Florida in its search for a deputy athletic director has submitted three candidates for consideration.

They are: Michael O'Brien, associate director of athletics for development at Kansas State; Eve Atkinson, director of athletics at Lafayette (Pa.) College, and Nelson E. Townsend, director of collaborative programs at Maryland Eastern Shore. They are the first names submitted for the new job. University president Judy Genshaft has not organized a search committee, instead opting to allow new athletic director Lee Roy Selmon to oversee the process. Selmon was hired last month, and the new deputy athletic director will work as his top administrator.

Selmon said he is looking for a "team player." "I've always said all along this is a team effort," Selmon said Tuesday. "We all succeed when we work together, and I see this as no different. Whomever this individual is, we will work very close together, hand in glove, in the overall strategic planning and operation of USF athletics."

After speaking with each candidate, Selmon will decide if any warrant further consideration or if the consulting firm should submit more candidates.

"There's not a set time line because this is a key position," Selmon said. "You want to make sure you're comfortable with that decision and take the time that's necessary to evaluate the individual, do an analysis and move forward from there."

The Bulls also need a strength and conditioning coach. Doug Elias, strength and conditioning coach the past three years, has taken a job at West Virginia.